Bill and Phyllis Wiley were involved in Camp Kirkmont in the early 1960s, and they wanted to do more with animals. They were inspired by another local camp in DeGraff that’s currently no longer in operation. In 1964, they bought a 75-acre farm and started a farm camp with riding stables for children to come called Marmon Valley Farm.
Many people these days do not have a direct connection to farm life and agriculture. Guests can reconnect with nature and God’s creation while at Marmon Valley Farm, a Christ-centered, family-owned farm. The Farm specializes in farm-style recreation including horseback riding, hay rides, pony rides, birthday parties, field trips, retreats, summer camps, and more.
Wrangler Matt encourages those to enjoy family farm fun activities and to reconnect with God’s Earth at Marmon Valley Farm:
Marmon Valley Farm is a faith-based Christian camp, and campers spend time in cabin devotions to learn more about God and how God can direct their lives. The Farm helps children connect with Christ through horseback riding and devotions. Marmon Valley Farm is the largest Christian horse camp in Ohio.
Summer Camps are weekly sessions operated by Marmon Valley Ministries for 7-16-year-olds. Campers get assigned a horse for the week, spend time in the mornings with the horse, and instructors guide them through various programs such as the trail ride, horse science class, and arena lessons. In the afternoons, campers get to spend time with their camp counselor and cabin group. They get to do activities such as swimming, crafts, archery, climbing wall, and other camp activities.
Evenings may have square dancing, hayride, and some group games such as an all-camp activity.
There’s something fun for all ages. A group can schedule a variety of activities to add on such as the hayride, barn dance, archery, and climbing wall. For birthday parties, fun packages for children include a pony ride/hayride combination.
People can do a variety of low-cost activities such as putt-putt, visiting the animals, or recreational playtime.
The mother/daughter weekend is currently happening. Mothers and daughters can spend quality time together and can come for a one-night stay on Friday night which concludes Saturday afternoon. For groups 50+, an outdoor chuck wagon breakfast cooked over an open fire is unique for the overnight guests. A father/son weekend is offered in the fall. Summer fun days are also offered on three Saturdays for families.
Easter on the Farm and Country Christmas are other fun holiday activities.
Wrangler Matt explains the many year-round activities at Marmon Valley Farm people of all ages can enjoy:
Marmon Valley Farm recently opened its newest building, the Orchard Barn, with a ribbon cutting with the Logan County Chamber of Commerce. The construction project is a part of the farm’s “Vision for the Valley” campaign. This will increase both overnight and daytime capacity, as well as expand the number of restrooms. The camp experience will be enhanced by additional and/or remodeled activity pavilions, and increased security measures, including outdoor lighting and cabin locks.
There are over 150 horses in the herd which includes eight miniature horses in the petting zoo and a couple donkeys. There are about 125-130 horses available that are ridden on a daily basis.
There are 600 acres total on the property. 250 acres are in the wooded trail systems where guests can ride up in the hills and see the beautifully scenic valley.
Group Riding Lessons for children 6+ or adults are available year-round to learn the basics of horsemanship skills.
Marmon Valley Farm is located at 7754 State Route 292 S. Zanesfield, OH 43360.
The Farm’s Office Hours are 9 am-5 pm Monday-Saturday and 1 pm-5 pm Sunday. Stable Hours are closed Mondays and open 1 pm-5 pm Tuesday-Saturday and 1:30 pm-5:00 pm Sunday.
Their phone number is (937)-593-8000.
To learn more about Marmon Valley Farm and to plan a visit, check out their website here.
